1
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Avilés EC, Wang SK, Patel S, Shi S, Lin L, Kefalov VJ, Goodrich LV, Cepko CL, Xue Y. High temporal frequency light response in mouse retina requires FAT3 signaling in bipolar cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.02.565326. [PMID: 37961274 PMCID: PMC10635074 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.02.565326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Vision is initiated by the reception of light by photoreceptors and subsequent processing via downstream retinal neurons. Proper cellular organization depends on the multi-functional tissue polarity protein FAT3, which is required for amacrine cell connectivity and retinal lamination. Here we investigated the retinal function of Fat3 mutant mice and found decreases in physiological and perceptual responses to high frequency flashes. These defects did not correlate with abnormal amacrine cell wiring, pointing instead to a role in bipolar cell subtypes that also express FAT3. The role of FAT3 in the response to high temporal frequency flashes depends upon its ability to transduce an intracellular signal. Mechanistically, FAT3 binds to the synaptic protein PTPσ, intracellularly, and is required to localize GRIK1 to OFF-cone bipolar cell synapses with cone photoreceptors. These findings expand the repertoire of FAT3's functions and reveal its importance in bipolar cells for high frequency light response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn C Avilés
- Department of Neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sean K Wang
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Sarina Patel
- Department of Neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Shuxiang Shi
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China, 200031
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China, 201210
| | - Lucas Lin
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Vladimir J Kefalov
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute & Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Lisa V Goodrich
- Department of Neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Constance L Cepko
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yunlu Xue
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China, 200031
- Lead contact
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2
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Soucy JR, Aguzzi EA, Cho J, Gilhooley MJ, Keuthan C, Luo Z, Monavarfeshani A, Saleem MA, Wang XW, Wohlschlegel J, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Welsbie D, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Retinal ganglion cell repopulation for vision restoration in optic neuropathy: a roadmap from the RReSTORe Consortium. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:64. [PMID: 37735444 PMCID: PMC10514988 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies results in irreversible vision loss due to the mammalian central nervous system's limited regenerative capacity. RGC repopulation is a promising therapeutic approach to reverse vision loss from optic neuropathies if the newly introduced neurons can reestablish functional retinal and thalamic circuits. In theory, RGCs might be repopulated through the transplantation of stem cell-derived neurons or via the induction of endogenous transdifferentiation. The RGC Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium was established to address the challenges associated with the therapeutic repair of the visual pathway in optic neuropathy. In 2022, the RReSTORe Consortium initiated ongoing international collaborative discussions to advance the RGC repopulation field and has identified five critical areas of focus: (1) RGC development and differentiation, (2) Transplantation methods and models, (3) RGC survival, maturation, and host interactions, (4) Inner retinal wiring, and (5) Eye-to-brain connectivity. Here, we discuss the most pertinent questions and challenges that exist on the path to clinical translation and suggest experimental directions to propel this work going forward. Using these five subtopic discussion groups (SDGs) as a framework, we suggest multidisciplinary approaches to restore the diseased visual pathway by leveraging groundbreaking insights from developmental neuroscience, stem cell biology, molecular biology, optical imaging, animal models of optic neuropathy, immunology & immunotolerance, neuropathology & neuroprotection, materials science & biomedical engineering, and regenerative neuroscience. While significant hurdles remain, the RReSTORe Consortium's efforts provide a comprehensive roadmap for advancing the RGC repopulation field and hold potential for transformative progress in restoring vision in patients suffering from optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika A Aguzzi
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Julie Cho
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michael James Gilhooley
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Casey Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher A Saleem
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xue-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kimberly K Gokoffski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alex L Kolodkin
- The Solomon H Snyder, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carol A Mason
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian C Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Callahan Eye Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Derek Welsbie
- Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA.
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3
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Fujii Y, Arima M, Murakami Y, Sonoda KH. Rhodopsin-positive cell production by intravitreal injection of small molecule compounds in mouse models of retinal degeneration. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282174. [PMID: 36821627 PMCID: PMC9949636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to verify whether the intravitreal injection of small molecule compounds alone can create photoreceptor cells in mouse models of retinal degeneration. Primary cultured mouse Müller cells were stimulated in vitro with combinations of candidate compounds and the rhodopsin expression was measured on day 7 using polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining. We used 6-week-old N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-treated and 4-week-old rd10 mice as representative in vivo models of retinal degeneration. The optimal combination of compounds selected via in vitro screening was injected into the vitreous and the changes in rhodopsin expression were investigated on day 7 using polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining. The origin of rhodopsin-positive cells was also analyzed via lineage tracing and the recovery of retinal function was assessed using electroretinography. The in vitro mRNA expression of rhodopsin in Müller cells increased 30-fold, and 25% of the Müller cells expressed rhodopsin protein 7 days after stimulation with a combination of 4 compounds: transforming growth factor-β inhibitor, bone morphogenetic protein inhibitor, glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor, and γ-secretase inhibitor. The in vivo rhodopsin mRNA expression and the number of rhodopsin-positive cells in the outer retina were significantly increased on day 7 after the intravitreal injection of these 4 compounds in both N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-treated and rd10 mice. Lineage tracing in td-Tomato mice treated with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea suggested that the rhodopsin-positive cells originated from endogenous Müller cells, accompanied with the recovery of the rhodopsin-derived scotopic function. It was suggested that rhodopsin-positive cells generated by compound stimulation contributes to the recovery of retinal function impaired by degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Fujii
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Arima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan,Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan,* E-mail:
| | - Yusuke Murakami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koh-Hei Sonoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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4
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Todd L, Jenkins W, Finkbeiner C, Hooper MJ, Donaldson PC, Pavlou M, Wohlschlegel J, Ingram N, Rieke F, Reh TA. Reprogramming Müller glia to regenerate ganglion-like cells in adult mouse retina with developmental transcription factors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq7219. [PMID: 36417510 PMCID: PMC9683702 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq7219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases cause degeneration of specific types of neurons. For example, glaucoma leads to death of retinal ganglion cells, leaving other neurons intact. Neurons are not regenerated in the adult mammalian central nervous system. However, in nonmammalian vertebrates, glial cells spontaneously reprogram into neural progenitors and replace neurons after injury. We have recently developed strategies to stimulate regeneration of functional neurons in the adult mouse retina by overexpressing the proneural factor Ascl1 in Müller glia. Here, we test additional transcription factors (TFs) for their ability to direct regeneration to particular types of retinal neurons. We engineered mice to express different combinations of TFs in Müller glia, including Ascl1, Pou4f2, Islet1, and Atoh1. Using immunohistochemistry, single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing, and electrophysiology, we find that retinal ganglion-like cells can be regenerated in the damaged adult mouse retina in vivo with targeted overexpression of developmental retinal ganglion cell TFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi Todd
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Wesley Jenkins
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Connor Finkbeiner
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marcus J. Hooper
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Phoebe C. Donaldson
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marina Pavlou
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Juliette Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Norianne Ingram
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 91895, USA
| | - Fred Rieke
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 91895, USA
| | - Thomas A. Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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5
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Petridou E, Godinho L. Cellular and Molecular Determinants of Retinal Cell Fate. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2022; 8:79-99. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-100820-103154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate retina is regarded as a simple part of the central nervous system (CNS) and thus amenable to investigations of the determinants of cell fate. Its five neuronal cell classes and one glial cell class all derive from a common pool of progenitors. Here we review how each cell class is generated. Retinal progenitors progress through different competence states, in each of which they generate only a small repertoire of cell classes. The intrinsic state of the progenitor is determined by the complement of transcription factors it expresses. Thus, although progenitors are multipotent, there is a bias in the types of fates they generate during any particular time window. Overlying these competence states are stochastic mechanisms that influence fate decisions. These mechanisms are determined by a weighted set of probabilities based on the abundance of a cell class in the retina. Deterministic mechanisms also operate, especially late in development, when preprogrammed progenitors solely generate specific fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Petridou
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany;,
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Leanne Godinho
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany;,
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6
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Dezfuly AR, Safaee A, Amirpour N, Kazemi M, Ramezani A, Jafarinia M, Dehghani A, Salehi H. Therapeutic effects of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells and their paracrine agents on sodium iodate induced retinal degeneration in rats. Life Sci 2022; 300:120570. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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7
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West ER, Cepko CL. Development and diversification of bipolar interneurons in the mammalian retina. Dev Biol 2021; 481:30-42. [PMID: 34534525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The bipolar interneurons of the mammalian retina have evolved as a diverse set of cells with distinct subtype characteristics, which reflect specialized contributions to visual circuitry. Fifteen subtypes of bipolar interneurons have been identified in the mouse retina, each with characteristic gene expression, morphology, and light responses. This review provides an overview of the developmental events that underlie the generation of the diverse bipolar cell class, summarizing the current knowledge of genetic programs that establish and maintain bipolar subtype fates, as well as the events that shape the final distribution of bipolar subtypes. With much left to be discovered, bipolar interneurons present an ideal model system for studying the interplay between cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms that influence neuronal subtype development within the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R West
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Constance L Cepko
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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8
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Miesfeld JB, Ghiasvand NM, Marsh-Armstrong B, Marsh-Armstrong N, Miller EB, Zhang P, Manna SK, Zawadzki RJ, Brown NL, Glaser T. The Atoh7 remote enhancer provides transcriptional robustness during retinal ganglion cell development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:21690-21700. [PMID: 32817515 PMCID: PMC7474671 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006888117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal ganglion cell (RGC) competence factor ATOH7 is dynamically expressed during retinal histogenesis. ATOH7 transcription is controlled by a promoter-adjacent primary enhancer and a remote shadow enhancer (SE). Deletion of the ATOH7 human SE causes nonsyndromic congenital retinal nonattachment (NCRNA) disease, characterized by optic nerve aplasia and total blindness. We used genome editing to model NCRNA in mice. Deletion of the murine SE reduces Atoh7 messenger RNA (mRNA) fivefold but does not recapitulate optic nerve loss; however, SEdel/knockout (KO) trans heterozygotes have thin optic nerves. By analyzing Atoh7 mRNA and protein levels, RGC development and survival, and chromatin landscape effects, we show that the SE ensures robust Atoh7 transcriptional output. Combining SE deletion and KO and wild-type alleles in a genotypic series, we determined the amount of Atoh7 needed to produce a normal complement of adult RGCs, and the secondary consequences of graded reductions in Atoh7 dosage. Together, these data reveal the workings of an evolutionary fail-safe, a duplicate enhancer mechanism that is hard-wired in the machinery of vertebrate retinal ganglion cell genesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel B Miesfeld
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Noor M Ghiasvand
- Department of Biology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Brennan Marsh-Armstrong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Nicholas Marsh-Armstrong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Eric B Miller
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Suman K Manna
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Robert J Zawadzki
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Nadean L Brown
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Tom Glaser
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616;
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9
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Goodson NB, Kaufman MA, Park KU, Brzezinski JA. Simultaneous deletion of Prdm1 and Vsx2 enhancers in the retina alters photoreceptor and bipolar cell fate specification, yet differs from deleting both genes. Development 2020; 147:dev190272. [PMID: 32541005 PMCID: PMC10666920 DOI: 10.1242/dev.190272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor OTX2 is required for photoreceptor and bipolar cell formation in the retina. It directly activates the transcription factors Prdm1 and Vsx2 through cell type-specific enhancers. PRDM1 and VSX2 work in opposition, such that PRDM1 promotes photoreceptor fate and VSX2 bipolar cell fate. To determine how OTX2+ cell fates are regulated in mice, we deleted Prdm1 and Vsx2 or their cell type-specific enhancers simultaneously using a CRISPR/Cas9 in vivo retina electroporation strategy. Double gene or enhancer targeting effectively removed PRDM1 and VSX2 protein expression. However, double enhancer targeting favored bipolar fate outcomes, whereas double gene targeting favored photoreceptor fate. Both conditions generated excess amacrine cells. Combined, these fate changes suggest that photoreceptors are a default fate outcome in OTX2+ cells and that VSX2 must be present in a narrow temporal window to drive bipolar cell formation. Prdm1 and Vsx2 also appear to redundantly restrict the competence of OTX2+ cells, preventing amacrine cell formation. By taking a combinatorial deletion approach of both coding sequences and enhancers, our work provides new insights into the complex regulatory mechanisms that control cell fate choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah B Goodson
- Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael A Kaufman
- Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Cell Biology, Stem Cells, and Development Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ko U Park
- Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Joseph A Brzezinski
- Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Cellular localization of the FMRP in rat retina. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:225004. [PMID: 32452512 PMCID: PMC7295639 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is a regulator of local translation through its mRNA targets in the neurons. Previous studies have demonstrated that FMRP may function in distinct ways during the development of different visual subcircuits. However, the localization of the FMRP in different types of retinal cells is unclear. In this work, the FMRP expression in rat retina was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence double labeling. Results showed that the FMRP expression could be detected in rat retina and that the FMRP had a strong immunoreaction (IR) in the ganglion cell (GC) layer, inner nucleus layer (INL), and outer plexiform layer (OPL) of rat retina. In the outer retina, the bipolar cells (BCs) labeled by homeobox protein ChX10 (ChX10) and the horizontal cells (HCs) labeled by calbindin (CB) were FMRP-positive. In the inner retina, GABAergic amacrine cells (ACs) labeled by glutamate decarbonylase colocalized with the FMRP. The dopaminergic ACs (tyrosine hydroxylase marker) and cholinergic ACs (choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) marker) were co-labeled with the FMRP. In most GCs (labeled by Brn3a) and melanopsin-positive intrinsically photosensitive retinal GCs (ipRGCs) were also FMRP-positive. The FMRP expression was observed in the cellular retinal binding protein-positive Müller cells. These results suggest that the FMRP could be involved in the visual pathway transmission.
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11
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Prdm1 overexpression causes a photoreceptor fate-shift in nascent, but not mature, bipolar cells. Dev Biol 2020; 464:111-123. [PMID: 32562755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factors Prdm1 (Blimp1) and Vsx2 (Chx10) work downstream of Otx2 to regulate photoreceptor and bipolar cell fates in the developing retina. Mice that lack Vsx2 fail to form bipolar cells while Prdm1 mutants form excess bipolars at the direct expense of photoreceptors. Excess bipolars in Prdm1 mutants appear to derive from rods, suggesting that photoreceptor fate remains mutable for some time after cells become specified. Here we tested whether bipolar cell fate is also plastic during development. To do this, we created a system to conditionally misexpress Prdm1 at different stages of bipolar cell development. We found that Prdm1 blocks bipolar cell formation if expressed before the fate choice decision occurred. When we misexpressed Prdm1 just after the decision to become a bipolar cell was made, some cells were reprogrammed into photoreceptors. In contrast, Prdm1 misexpression in mature bipolar cells did not affect cell fate. We also provide evidence that sustained misexpression of Prdm1 was selectively toxic to photoreceptors. Our data show that bipolar fate is malleable, but only for a short temporal window following fate specification. Prdm1 and Vsx2 act by stabilizing photoreceptor and bipolar fates in developing OTX2+ cells of the retina.
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12
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Jiang D, Burger CA, Casasent A, Albrecht NE, Li F, Samuel MA. Spatiotemporal gene expression patterns reveal molecular relatedness between retinal laminae. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:729-755. [PMID: 31609468 PMCID: PMC7147688 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In several areas of the central nervous system, neurons are regionally organized into groups or layers that carry out specific activities. In this form of patterning, neurons of distinct types localize their cell bodies to just one or a few of the layers within a structure. However, little is known about whether diverse neuron types within a lamina share molecular features that coordinate their organization. To begin to identify such candidates, we used the laminated murine retina to screen 92 lacZ reporter lines available through the Knockout Mouse Project. Thirty-two of these displayed reporter expression in restricted subsets of inner retina neurons. We then identified the spatiotemporal expression patterns of these genes at key developmental stages. This uncovered several that were heavily enriched in development but reduced in adulthood, including the transcriptional regulator Hmga1. An additional set of genes displayed maturation associated laminar enrichment. Among these, we identified Bbox1 as a novel gene that specifically labels all neurons in the ganglion cell layer but is largely excluded from otherwise molecularly similar neurons in the inner retina. Finally, we established Dbn1 as a new marker enriched in amacrines and Fmnl3 as a marker for subsets of αRGCs. Together, these data provide a spatiotemporal map for laminae-specific molecules and suggest that diverse neuron types within a lamina share coordinating molecular features that may inform their fate or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danye Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Courtney A. Burger
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Anna Casasent
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Nicholas E. Albrecht
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Fenge Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Melanie A. Samuel
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
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13
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Leyva-Díaz E, Masoudi N, Serrano-Saiz E, Glenwinkel L, Hobert O. Brn3/POU-IV-type POU homeobox genes-Paradigmatic regulators of neuronal identity across phylogeny. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2020; 9:e374. [PMID: 32012462 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
One approach to understand the construction of complex systems is to investigate whether there are simple design principles that are commonly used in building such a system. In the context of nervous system development, one may ask whether the generation of its highly diverse sets of constituents, that is, distinct neuronal cell types, relies on genetic mechanisms that share specific common features. Specifically, are there common patterns in the function of regulatory genes across different neuron types and are those regulatory mechanisms not only used in different parts of one nervous system, but are they conserved across animal phylogeny? We address these questions here by focusing on one specific, highly conserved and well-studied regulatory factor, the POU homeodomain transcription factor UNC-86. Work over the last 30 years has revealed a common and paradigmatic theme of unc-86 function throughout most of the neuron types in which Caenorhabditis elegans unc-86 is expressed. Apart from its role in preventing lineage reiterations during development, UNC-86 operates in combination with distinct partner proteins to initiate and maintain terminal differentiation programs, by coregulating a vast array of functionally distinct identity determinants of specific neuron types. Mouse orthologs of unc-86, the Brn3 genes, have been shown to fulfill a similar function in initiating and maintaining neuronal identity in specific parts of the mouse brain and similar functions appear to be carried out by the sole Drosophila ortholog, Acj6. The terminal selector function of UNC-86 in many different neuron types provides a paradigm for neuronal identity regulation across phylogeny. This article is categorized under: Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms Invertebrate Organogenesis > Worms Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Leyva-Díaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Neda Masoudi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Lori Glenwinkel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Oliver Hobert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
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14
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Nguyen-Ba-Charvet KT, Rebsam A. Neurogenesis and Specification of Retinal Ganglion Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020451. [PMID: 31936811 PMCID: PMC7014133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Across all species, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the first retinal neurons generated during development, followed by the other retinal cell types. How are retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) able to produce these cell types in a specific and timely order? Here, we will review the different models of retinal neurogenesis proposed over the last decades as well as the extrinsic and intrinsic factors controlling it. We will then focus on the molecular mechanisms, especially the cascade of transcription factors that regulate, more specifically, RGC fate. We will also comment on the recent discovery that the ciliary marginal zone is a new stem cell niche in mice contributing to retinal neurogenesis, especially to the generation of ipsilateral RGCs. Furthermore, RGCs are composed of many different subtypes that are anatomically, physiologically, functionally, and molecularly defined. We will summarize the different classifications of RGC subtypes and will recapitulate the specification of some of them and describe how a genetic disease such as albinism affects neurogenesis, resulting in profound visual deficits.
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15
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Álvarez-Hernán G, Hernández-Núñez I, Rico-Leo EM, Marzal A, de Mera-Rodríguez JA, Rodríguez-León J, Martín-Partido G, Francisco-Morcillo J. Retinal differentiation in an altricial bird species, Taeniopygia guttata: An immunohistochemical study. Exp Eye Res 2020; 190:107869. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Initiation of CNS Myelination in the Optic Nerve Is Dependent on Axon Caliber. Cell Rep 2019; 25:544-550.e3. [PMID: 30332636 PMCID: PMC6258034 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that neuronal signaling is important for oligodendrocyte myelination; however, the necessity of
this signaling during development is unclear. By eliminating dynamic neuronal signaling along the developing optic nerve, we find
that oligodendrocyte differentiation is not dependent on neuronal signaling and that the initiation of myelination is dependent on
a permissive substrate, namely supra-threshold axon caliber. Furthermore, we show that loss of dynamic neuronal signaling results
in hypermyelination of axons. We propose that oligodendrocyte differentiation is regulated by non-neuronal factors during optic
nerve development, whereas myelination is sensitive to the biophysical properties of axonal diameter. Mayoral et al. show that elimination of neuronal signaling via enucleation of the developing optic nerve of
Wlds mice results in normal oligodendrocyte differentiation but disrupted myelination. Myelination is rescued
when axons are enlarged prior to enucleation, showing that supra-threshold axon caliber, but not neuronal signaling, is necessary
for myelination.
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17
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Islet1 and Brn3 Expression Pattern Study in Human Retina and hiPSC-Derived Retinal Organoid. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:8786396. [PMID: 31885629 PMCID: PMC6925930 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8786396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the dynamic Islet1 and Brn3 (POU4F) expression pattern in the human fetal retina and human-induced pluripotent stem cell- (hiPSC-) derived retinal organoid. Human fetal eyes from 8 to 27 fetal weeks (Fwks), human adult retina, hiPSC-derived retinal organoid from 7 to 31 differentiation weeks (Dwks), and rhesus adult retina were collected for cyrosectioning. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that Islet1 was expressed in retinal ganglion cells in the fetal retina, human adult retina, and retinal organoids. Unexpectedly, after Fwk 20, Brn3 expression gradually decreased in the fetal retina. In the midstage of development, Islet1 was detected in bipolar and developing horizontal cells. As the photoreceptor developed, the Islet1-positive cone precursors gradually became Islet1-negative/S-opsin-positive cones. This study highlights the distinguishing characteristics of Islet1 dynamic expression in human fetal retina development and proposes more concerns which should be taken regarding Brn3 as a cell-identifying marker in mature primate retina.
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18
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Tufford AR, Onyak JR, Sondereker KB, Lucas JA, Earley AM, Mattar P, Hattar S, Schmidt TM, Renna JM, Cayouette M. Melanopsin Retinal Ganglion Cells Regulate Cone Photoreceptor Lamination in the Mouse Retina. Cell Rep 2019; 23:2416-2428. [PMID: 29791852 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Newborn neurons follow molecular cues to reach their final destination, but whether early life experience influences lamination remains largely unexplored. As light is among the first stimuli to reach the developing nervous system via intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), we asked whether ipRGCs could affect lamination in the developing mouse retina. We show here that ablation of ipRGCs causes cone photoreceptors to mislocalize at different apicobasal positions in the retina. This effect is partly mediated by light-evoked activity in ipRGCs, as dark rearing or silencing of ipRGCs leads a subset of cones to mislocalize. Furthermore, ablation of ipRGCs alters the cone transcriptome and decreases expression of the dopamine receptor D4, while injection of L-DOPA or D4 receptor agonist rescues the displaced cone phenotype observed in dark-reared animals. These results show that early light-mediated activity in ipRGCs influences neuronal lamination and identify ipRGC-elicited dopamine release as a mechanism influencing cone position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele R Tufford
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Jasmine A Lucas
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Aaron M Earley
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Pierre Mattar
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Samer Hattar
- National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tiffany M Schmidt
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jordan M Renna
- Department of Biology, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Michel Cayouette
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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Su T, Liu H, Zhang D, Xu G, Liu J, Evans SM, Pan J, Cui S. LIM homeodomain transcription factor Isl1 affects urethral epithelium differentiation and apoptosis via Shh. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:713. [PMID: 31558700 PMCID: PMC6763423 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1952-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Urethral hypoplasia, including failure of urethral tube closure, is one of the common phenotypes observed in hereditary human disorders, the mechanism of which remains unclear. The present study was thus designed to study the expression, functions, and related mechanisms of the LIM homeobox transcription factor Isl1 throughout mouse urethral development. Results showed that Isl1 was highly expressed in urethral epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells of the genital tubercle (GT). Functional studies were carried out by utilizing the tamoxifen-inducible Isl1-knockout mouse model. Histological and morphological results indicated that Isl1 deletion caused urethral hypoplasia and inhibited maturation of the complex urethral epithelium. In addition, we show that Isl1-deleted mice failed to maintain the progenitor cell population required for renewal of urethral epithelium during tubular morphogenesis and exhibited significantly increased cell death within the urethra. Dual-Luciferase reporter assays and yeast one-hybrid assays showed that ISL1 was essential for normal urethral development by directly targeting the Shh gene. Collectively, results presented here demonstrated that Isl1 plays a crucial role in mouse urethral development, thus increasing our potential for understanding the mechanistic basis of hereditary urethral hypoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Su
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 225009, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 225009, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Guojin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sylvia M Evans
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jirong Pan
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineInstitute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sheng Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 225009, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Labrador-Velandia S, Alonso-Alonso ML, Di Lauro S, García-Gutierrez MT, Srivastava GK, Pastor JC, Fernandez-Bueno I. Mesenchymal stem cells provide paracrine neuroprotective resources that delay degeneration of co-cultured organotypic neuroretinal cultures. Exp Eye Res 2019; 185:107671. [PMID: 31108056 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Through the paracrine effects of stem cells, including the secretion of neurotrophic, immunomodulatory, and anti-apoptotic factors, cell-based therapies offer a new all-encompassing approach to treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we used physically separated co-cultures of porcine neuroretina (NR) and human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to evaluate the MSC paracrine neuroprotective effects on NR degeneration. NR explants were obtained from porcine eyes and cultured alone or co-cultured with commercially available MSCs from Valladolid (MSCV; Citospin S.L.; Valladolid, Spain), currently used for several approved treatments. Cultures were maintained for 72 h. MSC surface markers were evaluated before and after co-culture with NRs. Culture supernatants were collected and the concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. NR sections were stained by haematoxylin/eosin or immunostained for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL), glial fibrillary acidic protein, β-tubulin III, and neuronal nuclei marker. NR morphology, morphometry, nuclei count, apoptosis rate, retinal ganglion cells, and glial cell activation were evaluated. Treatment effects were statistically analysed by parametric or non-parametric tests. The MSCs retained stem cell surface markers after co-culture with NR. BDNF and CNTF concentrations in NR-MSCV co-cultures were higher than other experimental conditions at 72 h (p < 0.05), but no GDNF was detected. NR general morphology, total thickness, and cell counts were broadly preserved in co-cultures, and the apoptosis rate determined by TUNEL assay was lower than for NR monocultures (all p < 0.05). Co-cultures with MSCV also protected retinal ganglion cells from degenerative changes and reduced reactive gliosis (both p < 0.05). In this in vitro model of spontaneous NR degeneration, the presence of co-cultured MSCs retarded neuroglial degeneration. This effect was associated with elevated concentrations of the neurotrophic factors BDNF and CNTF. Our data suggest that the paracrine secretion of these, and possibly other molecules, are a potential resource for the treatment of several neuroretinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Labrador-Velandia
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Maria Luz Alonso-Alonso
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Salvatore Di Lauro
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Departamento de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Girish K Srivastava
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain
| | - José Carlos Pastor
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain; Departamento de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.
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21
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Retinal differentiation in syngnathids: comparison in the developmental rate and acquisition of retinal structures in altricial and precocial fish species. ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-019-00447-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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22
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Zhang J, Qiu J, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Li H, Zhang T, Jiang Y, Gou K, Cui S. LIM homeobox transcription factor Isl1 is required for melatonin synthesis in the pig pineal gland. J Pineal Res 2018; 65:e12481. [PMID: 29480946 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin is a key hormone that regulates circadian rhythms, metabolism, and reproduction. However, the mechanisms of melatonin synthesis and secretion have not been fully defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functions of the LIM homeobox transcription factor Isl1 in regulating melatonin synthesis and secretion in porcine pineal gland. We found that Isl1 is highly expressed in the melatonin-producing cells in the porcine pineal gland. Further functional studies demonstrate that Isl1 knockdown in cultured primary porcine pinealocytes results in the decline of melatonin and arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) mRNA levels by 29.2% and 72.2%, respectively, whereas Isl1 overexpression raised by 1.3-fold and 2.7-fold. In addition, the enhancing effect of norepinephrine (NE) on melatonin synthesis was abolished by Isl1 knockdown. The in vivo intracerebroventricular NE injections upregulate Isl1 mRNA and protein levels by about threefold and 4.5-fold in the porcine pineal gland. We then examined the changes in Isl1 expression in the pineal gland and global melatonin levels throughout the day. The results show that Isl1 protein level at 24:00 is 2.5-fold higher than that at 12:00, which is parallel to melatonin levels. We further found that Isl1 increases the activity of AANAT promoter, and the effect of NE on Isl1 expression was blocked by an ERK inhibitor. Collectively, the results presented here demonstrate that Isl1 positively modulates melatonin synthesis by targeting AANAT, via the ERK signaling pathway of NE. These suggest that Isl1 plays important roles in maintaining the daily circadian rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingtao Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yewen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Taojie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Kemian Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Muzyka VV, Brooks M, Badea TC. Postnatal developmental dynamics of cell type specification genes in Brn3a/Pou4f1 Retinal Ganglion Cells. Neural Dev 2018; 13:15. [PMID: 29958540 PMCID: PMC6025728 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-018-0110-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 20-30 distinct Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) types transmit visual information from the retina to the brain. The developmental mechanisms by which RGCs are specified are still largely unknown. Brn3a is a member of the Brn3/Pou4f transcription factor family, which contains key regulators of RGC postmitotic specification. In particular, Brn3a ablation results in the loss of RGCs with small, thick and dense dendritic arbors ('midget-like' RGCs), and morphological changes in other RGC subpopulations. To identify downstream molecular mechanisms underlying Brn3a effects on RGC numbers and morphology, our group recently performed a RNA deep sequencing screen for Brn3a transcriptional targets in mouse RGCs and identified 180 candidate transcripts. METHODS We now focus on a subset of 28 candidate genes encoding potential cell type determinant proteins. We validate and further define their retinal expression profile at five postnatal developmental time points between birth and adult stage, using in situ hybridization (ISH), RT-PCR and fluorescent immunodetection (IIF). RESULTS We find that a majority of candidate genes are enriched in the ganglion cell layer during early stages of postnatal development, but dynamically change their expression profile. We also document transcript-specific expression differences for two example candidates, using RT-PCR and ISH. Brn3a dependency could be confirmed by ISH and IIF only for a fraction of our candidates. CONCLUSIONS Amongst our candidate Brn3a target genes, a majority demonstrated ganglion cell layer specificity, however only around two thirds showed Brn3a dependency. Some were previously implicated in RGC type specification, while others have known physiological functions in RGCs. Only three genes were found to be consistently regulated by Brn3a throughout postnatal retina development - Mapk10, Tusc5 and Cdh4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Brooks
- Genomics Core, Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Building 6, Room 331B Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892-0610, USA
| | - Tudor Constantin Badea
- Retinal Circuit Development & Genetics Unit, Building 6, Room 331B Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892-0610, USA.
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Suzuki-Kerr H, Iwagawa T, Sagara H, Mizota A, Suzuki Y, Watanabe S. Pivotal roles of Fezf2 in differentiation of cone OFF bipolar cells and functional maturation of cone ON bipolar cells in retina. Exp Eye Res 2018; 171:142-154. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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25
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Wang Y, Zhou Y, Xiao L, Zheng S, Yan N, Chen D. E2f1 mediates high glucose-induced neuronal death in cultured mouse retinal explants. Cell Cycle 2017; 16:1824-1834. [PMID: 28825879 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1361070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common complication of diabetes and remains one of the major causes of blindness in the world; infants born to diabetic mothers have higher risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). While hyperglycemia is a major risk factor, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying DR and diabetic ROP are poorly understood. To explore the consequences of retinal cells under high glucose, we cultured wild type or E2f1-/- mouse retinal explants from postnatal day 8 with normal glucose, high osmotic or high glucose media. Explants were also incubated with cobalt chloride (CoCl2) to mimic the hypoxic condition. We showed that, at 7 days post exposure to high glucose, retinal explants displayed elevated cell death, ectopic cell division and intact retinal vascular plexus. Cell death mainly occurred in excitatory neurons, such as ganglion and bipolar cells, which were also ectopically dividing. Many Müller glial cells reentered the cell cycle; some had irregular morphology or migrated to other layers. High glucose inhibited the hyperoxia-induced blood vessel regression of retinal explants. Moreover, inactivation of E2f1 rescued high glucose-induced ectopic division and cell death of retinal neurons, but not ectopic cell division of Müller glial cells and vascular phenotypes. This suggests that high glucose has direct but distinct effects on retinal neurons, glial cells and blood vessels, and that E2f1 mediates its effects on retinal neurons. These findings shed new light onto mechanisms of DR and the fetal retinal abnormalities associated with maternal diabetes, and suggest possible new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Wang
- a Department of Ophthalmology, Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences , Torsten-Wiesel Research Institute of World Eye Organization, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Yi Zhou
- a Department of Ophthalmology, Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences , Torsten-Wiesel Research Institute of World Eye Organization, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Lirong Xiao
- a Department of Ophthalmology, Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences , Torsten-Wiesel Research Institute of World Eye Organization, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Shijie Zheng
- a Department of Ophthalmology, Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences , Torsten-Wiesel Research Institute of World Eye Organization, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Naihong Yan
- a Department of Ophthalmology, Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences , Torsten-Wiesel Research Institute of World Eye Organization, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Danian Chen
- a Department of Ophthalmology, Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences , Torsten-Wiesel Research Institute of World Eye Organization, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
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Park KU, Randazzo G, Jones KL, Brzezinski JA. Gsg1, Trnp1, and Tmem215 Mark Subpopulations of Bipolar Interneurons in the Mouse Retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:1137-1150. [PMID: 28199486 PMCID: PMC5317276 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose How retinal bipolar cell interneurons are specified and assigned to specialized subtypes is only partially understood. In part, this is due to a lack of early pan- and subtype-specific bipolar cell markers. To discover these factors, we identified genes that were upregulated in Blimp1 (Prdm1) mutant retinas, which exhibit precocious bipolar cell development. Methods Postnatal day (P)2 retinas from Blimp1 conditional knock-out (CKO) mice and controls were processed for RNA sequencing. Genes that increased at least 45% and were statistically different between conditions were considered candidate bipolar-specific factors. Candidates were further evaluated by RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Knock-in Tmem215-LacZ mice were used to better trace retinal expression. Results A comparison between Blimp1 CKO and control RNA-seq datasets revealed approximately 40 significantly upregulated genes. We characterized the expression of three genes that have no known function in the retina, Gsg1 (germ cell associated gene), Trnp1 (TMF-regulated nuclear protein), and Tmem215 (a predicted transmembrane protein). Germ cell associated gene appeared restricted to a small subset of cone bipolars while Trnp1 was seen in all ON type bipolar cells. Using Tmem215-LacZ heterozygous knock-in mice, we observed that β-galactosidase expression started early in bipolar cell development. In adults, Tmem215 was expressed by a subset of ON and OFF cone bipolar cells. Conclusions We have identified Gsg1, Tmem215, and Trnp1 as novel bipolar subtype-specific genes. The spatial and temporal pattern of their expression is consistent with a role in controlling bipolar subtype fate choice, differentiation, or physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko Uoon Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Grace Randazzo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Kenneth L Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Hematology/Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Joseph A Brzezinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States
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Abstract
This chapter considers some of the challenges in obtaining accurate and consistent estimates of neuronal population size in the mouse retina, in order to identify the genetic control of cell number through QTL mapping and candidate gene analysis. We first discuss a variety of best practices for analyzing large numbers of recombinant inbred strains of mice over the course of a year in order to amass a satisfactory dataset for QTL mapping. We then consider the relative merits of using average cell density versus estimated total cell number as the target trait to be assessed, and why estimates of heritability may differ for these two traits when studying the retina in whole-mount preparations. Using our dataset on cell number for 12 different retinal cell types across the AXB/BXA recombinant inbred strain set as an example, we briefly review the QTL identified and their relationship to one another. Finally, we discuss our strategies for parsing QTL in order to identify prospective candidate genes, and how those candidates may in turn be dissected to identify causal regulatory or coding variants. By identifying the genetic determinants of nerve cell number in this fashion, we can then explore their roles in modulating developmental processes that underlie the formation of the retinal architecture.
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28
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Shekhar K, Lapan SW, Whitney IE, Tran NM, Macosko EZ, Kowalczyk M, Adiconis X, Levin JZ, Nemesh J, Goldman M, McCarroll SA, Cepko CL, Regev A, Sanes JR. Comprehensive Classification of Retinal Bipolar Neurons by Single-Cell Transcriptomics. Cell 2016; 166:1308-1323.e30. [PMID: 27565351 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 710] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Patterns of gene expression can be used to characterize and classify neuronal types. It is challenging, however, to generate taxonomies that fulfill the essential criteria of being comprehensive, harmonizing with conventional classification schemes, and lacking superfluous subdivisions of genuine types. To address these challenges, we used massively parallel single-cell RNA profiling and optimized computational methods on a heterogeneous class of neurons, mouse retinal bipolar cells (BCs). From a population of ∼25,000 BCs, we derived a molecular classification that identified 15 types, including all types observed previously and two novel types, one of which has a non-canonical morphology and position. We validated the classification scheme and identified dozens of novel markers using methods that match molecular expression to cell morphology. This work provides a systematic methodology for achieving comprehensive molecular classification of neurons, identifies novel neuronal types, and uncovers transcriptional differences that distinguish types within a class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Shekhar
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sylvain W Lapan
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Irene E Whitney
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02130, USA
| | - Nicholas M Tran
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02130, USA
| | - Evan Z Macosko
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Xian Adiconis
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Joshua Z Levin
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - James Nemesh
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Melissa Goldman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Steven A McCarroll
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Constance L Cepko
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
| | - Aviv Regev
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA; Department of Biology and Koch Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02130, USA.
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Boije H, Shirazi Fard S, Edqvist PH, Hallböök F. Horizontal Cells, the Odd Ones Out in the Retina, Give Insights into Development and Disease. Front Neuroanat 2016; 10:77. [PMID: 27486389 PMCID: PMC4949263 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2016.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Thorough investigation of a neuronal population can help reveal key aspects regarding the nervous system and its development. The retinal horizontal cells have several extraordinary features making them particularly interesting for addressing questions regarding fate assignment and subtype specification. In this review we discuss and summarize data concerning the formation and diversity of horizontal cells, how morphology is correlated to molecular markers, and how fate assignment separates the horizontal lineage from the lineages of other retinal cell types. We discuss the novel and unique features of the final cell cycle of horizontal cell progenitors and how they may relate to retinoblastoma carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Boije
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Per-Henrik Edqvist
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Finn Hallböök
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
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30
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Qu C, Bian D, Li X, Xiao J, Wu C, Li Y, Jiang T, Zhou X, Qu J, Chen JG. Transient Expression of Fez Family Zinc Finger 2 Protein Regulates the Brn3b Gene in Developing Retinal Ganglion Cells. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:7661-8. [PMID: 26861874 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.689448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are projection neurons in the neural retina that relay visual information from the environment to the central nervous system. The early expression of MATH5 endows the post-mitotic precursors with RGC competence and leads to the activation ofBrn3bthat marks committed RGCs. Nevertheless, this fate commitment process and, specifically, regulation ofBrn3bremain elusive. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying RGC generation in the mouse retina, we analyzed the expression and function of Fez family zinc finger 2 (FEZF2), a transcription factor critical for the development of projection neurons in the cerebral cortex.Fezf2mRNA and protein were transiently expressed at embryonic day 16.5 in the inner neuroblast layer and the prospective ganglion cell layer of the retina, respectively. Knockout ofFezf2in the developing retina reduced BRN3B+ cells and increased apoptotic cell markers.Fezf2knockdown by retinalin uteroelectroporation diminished BRN3B but not the coexpressed ISLET1 and BRN3A, indicating that the BRN3B decrease was the cause, not the result, of the overall reduction of BRN3B+ RGCs in theFezf2knockout retina. Moreover, the mRNA and promoter activity ofBrn3bwere increasedin vitroby FEZF2, which bound to a 5' regulatory fragment in theBrn3bgenomic locus. These results indicate that transient expression ofFezf2in the retina modulates the transcription ofBrn3band the survival of RGCs. This study improves our understanding of the transcriptional cascade required for the specification of RGCs and provides novel insights into the molecular basis of retinal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Qu
- From the School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the China State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health of China, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the Clinical Laboratory of LiShui People's Hospital, Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, LiShui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Dandan Bian
- From the School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the China State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health of China, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Xue Li
- From the School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the China State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health of China, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- From the School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the China State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health of China, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Chunping Wu
- From the School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the China State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health of China, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Yue Li
- the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, and
| | - Tian Jiang
- From the School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the China State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health of China, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Xiangtian Zhou
- From the School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the China State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health of China, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jia Qu
- From the School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the China State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health of China, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jie-Guang Chen
- From the School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the China State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health of China, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China, the Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China,
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31
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Iyer NR, Huettner JE, Butts JC, Brown CR, Sakiyama-Elbert SE. Generation of highly enriched V2a interneurons from mouse embryonic stem cells. Exp Neurol 2016; 277:305-316. [PMID: 26784005 PMCID: PMC4761286 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Challenges in parsing specific contributions to spinal microcircuit architecture have limited our ability to model and manipulate those networks for improved functional regeneration after injury or disease. While spinal interneurons (INs) have been implicated in driving coordinated locomotor behaviors, they constitute only a small percentage of the spinal cord and are difficult to isolate from primary tissue. In this study, we employed a genetic strategy to obtain large quantities of highly enriched mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived V2a INs, an excitatory glutamatergic IN population that is defined by expression of the homeodomain protein Chx10 during development. Puromycin N-acetyltransferase expression was driven by the native gene regulatory elements of Chx10 in the transgenic ESC line, resulting in positive selection of V2a INs after induction and treatment with puromycin. Directly after selection, approximately 80% of cells are Chx10(+), with 94% Lhx3(+); after several weeks, cultures remain free of proliferative cell types and mature into normal glutamatergic neurons as assessed by molecular markers and electrophysiological methods. Functional synapses were observed between selected ESC-derived V2a INs and motor neurons when co-cultured, demonstrating the potential of these cells to form neural networks. While ESC-derived neurons obtained in vitro are not identical to those that develop in the spinal cord, the transgenic ESCs here provide a unique tool to begin studying V2a INs in isolation or for use in in vitro models of spinal microcircuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha R Iyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Campus Box 1097, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - James E Huettner
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jessica C Butts
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Campus Box 1097, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Chelsea R Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Campus Box 1097, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Shelly E Sakiyama-Elbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Campus Box 1097, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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32
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Martín-Partido G, Francisco-Morcillo J. The role of Islet-1 in cell specification, differentiation, and maintenance of phenotypes in the vertebrate neural retina. Neural Regen Res 2016; 10:1951-2. [PMID: 26889183 PMCID: PMC4730819 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.165301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gervasio Martín-Partido
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
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33
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Szabadfi K, Reglodi D, Szabo A, Szalontai B, Valasek A, Setalo G, Kiss P, Tamas A, Wilhelm M, Gabriel R. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide, A Potential Therapeutic Agent for Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats: Focus on the Vertical Information Processing Pathway. Neurotox Res 2016; 29:432-46. [PMID: 26739825 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neurotrophic and neuroprotective peptide that has been shown to exert protective effects in different neuronal injuries, such as retinal degenerations. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the most common complication of diabetes, affects the microvasculature and neuronal architecture of the retina. We have proven earlier that PACAP is also protective in a rat model of DR. In this study, streptozotocin-induced DR was treated with intravitreal PACAP administration in order to further analyze the synaptic structure and proteins of PACAP-treated diabetic retinas, primarily in the vertical information processing pathway. Streptozotocin-treated Wistar rats received intravitreal PACAP injection three times into the right eye 2 weeks after the induction of diabetes. Morphological and molecular biological (qRT-PCR; Western blot) methods were used to analyze retinal synapses (ribbons, conventional) and related structures. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that retinal pigment epithelium, the ribbon synapses and other synaptic profiles suffered alterations in diabetes. However, in PACAP-treated diabetic retinas more bipolar ribbon synapses were found intact in the inner plexiform layer than in DR animals. The ribbon synapse was marked with C-terminal binding protein 2/Bassoon and formed horseshoe-shape ribbons, which were more retained in PACAP-treated diabetic retinas than in DR rats. These results are supported by molecular biological data. The selective degeneration of related structures such as bipolar and ganglion cells could be ameliorated by PACAP treatment. In summary, intravitreal administration of PACAP may have therapeutic potential in streptozotocin-induced DR through maintaining synapse integrity in the vertical pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Szabadfi
- Departments of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - D Reglodi
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary. .,Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Lendulet Research Group, University of Pecs, Szigeti u. 12., Pecs, 7624, Hungary.
| | - A Szabo
- Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - B Szalontai
- Departments of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Valasek
- Departments of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Gy Setalo
- Medical Biology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - P Kiss
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Lendulet Research Group, University of Pecs, Szigeti u. 12., Pecs, 7624, Hungary
| | - A Tamas
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Lendulet Research Group, University of Pecs, Szigeti u. 12., Pecs, 7624, Hungary
| | - M Wilhelm
- Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - R Gabriel
- Departments of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
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34
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Gayet-Primo J, Puthussery T. Alterations in Kainate Receptor and TRPM1 Localization in Bipolar Cells after Retinal Photoreceptor Degeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:486. [PMID: 26733812 PMCID: PMC4686838 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor degeneration differentially impacts glutamatergic signaling in downstream On and Off bipolar cells. In rodent models, photoreceptor degeneration leads to loss of glutamatergic signaling in On bipolar cells, whereas Off bipolar cells appear to retain glutamate sensitivity, even after extensive photoreceptor loss. The localization and identity of the receptors that mediate these residual glutamate responses in Off bipolar cells have not been determined. Recent studies show that macaque and mouse Off bipolar cells receive glutamatergic input primarily through kainate-type glutamate receptors. Here, we studied the impact of photoreceptor degeneration on glutamate receptor and their associated proteins in Off and On bipolar cells. We show that the kainate receptor subunit, GluK1, persists in remodeled Off bipolar cell dendrites of the rd10 mouse retina. However, the pattern of expression is altered and the intensity of staining is reduced compared to wild-type retina. The kainate receptor auxiliary subunit, Neto1, also remains in Off bipolar cell dendrites after extensive photoreceptor degeneration. Similar preservation of kainate receptor subunits was evident in human retina in which photoreceptors had degenerated due to serous retinal detachment. In contrast, photoreceptor degeneration leads to loss of synaptic expression of TRPM1 in mouse and human On bipolar cells, but strong somatic expression remains. These findings demonstrate that Off bipolar cells retain dendritic glutamate receptors during retinal degeneration and could thus serve as a conduit for signal transmission from transplanted or optogenetically restored photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Gayet-Primo
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Theresa Puthussery
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR, USA
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35
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Sajgo S, Ali S, Popescu O, Badea TC. Dynamic expression of transcription factor Brn3b during mouse cranial nerve development. J Comp Neurol 2015; 524:1033-61. [PMID: 26356988 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
During development, transcription factor combinatorial codes define a large variety of morphologically and physiologically distinct neurons. Such a combinatorial code has been proposed for the differentiation of projection neurons of the somatic and visceral components of cranial nerves. It is possible that individual neuronal cell types are not specified by unique transcription factors but rather emerge through the intersection of their expression domains. Brn3a, Brn3b, and Brn3c, in combination with each other and/or transcription factors of other families, can define subgroups of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), spiral and vestibular ganglia, inner ear and vestibular hair cell neurons in the vestibuloacoustic system, and groups of somatosensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia. The present study investigates the expression and potential role of the Brn3b transcription factor in cranial nerves and associated nuclei of the brainstem. We report the dynamic expression of Brn3b in the somatosensory component of cranial nerves II, V, VII, and VIII and visceromotor nuclei of nerves VII, IX, and X as well as other brainstem nuclei during different stages of development into adult stage. We find that genetically identified Brn3b(KO) RGC axons show correct but delayed pathfinding during the early stages of embryonic development. However, loss of Brn3b does not affect the anatomy of the other cranial nerves normally expressing this transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilard Sajgo
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892.,Molecular Biology Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Science, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, 400084, Romania
| | - Seid Ali
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
| | - Octavian Popescu
- Molecular Biology Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Science, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, 400084, Romania.,Institute of Biology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, 060031, Romania
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36
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Expression and function of the LIM-homeodomain transcription factor Islet-1 in the developing and mature vertebrate retina. Exp Eye Res 2015; 138:22-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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37
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Castinetti F, Brinkmeier ML, Mortensen AH, Vella KR, Gergics P, Brue T, Hollenberg AN, Gan L, Camper SA. ISL1 Is Necessary for Maximal Thyrotrope Response to Hypothyroidism. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:1510-21. [PMID: 26296153 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
ISLET1 is a homeodomain transcription factor necessary for development of the pituitary, retina, motor neurons, heart, and pancreas. Isl1-deficient mice (Isl1(-/-)) die early during embryogenesis at embryonic day 10.5 due to heart defects, and at that time, they have an undersized pituitary primordium. ISL1 is expressed in differentiating pituitary cells in early embryogenesis. Here, we report the cell-specific expression of ISL1 and assessment of its role in gonadotropes and thyrotropes. Isl1 expression is elevated in pituitaries of Cga(-/-) mice, a model of hypothyroidism with thyrotrope hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Thyrotrope-specific disruption of Isl1 with Tshb-cre is permissive for normal serum TSH, but T4 levels are decreased, suggesting decreased thyrotrope function. Inducing hypothyroidism in normal mice causes a reduction in T4 levels and dramatically elevated TSH response, but mice with thyrotrope-specific disruption of Isl1 have a blunted TSH response. In contrast, deletion of Isl1 in gonadotropes with an Lhb-cre transgene has no obvious effect on gonadotrope function or fertility. These results show that ISL1 is necessary for maximal thyrotrope response to hypothyroidism, in addition to its role in development of Rathke's pouch.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Castinetti
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - M L Brinkmeier
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - A H Mortensen
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - K R Vella
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - P Gergics
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - T Brue
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - A N Hollenberg
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - L Gan
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - S A Camper
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
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Prdm13 regulates subtype specification of retinal amacrine interneurons and modulates visual sensitivity. J Neurosci 2015; 35:8004-20. [PMID: 25995483 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0089-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amacrine interneurons, which are highly diversified in morphological, neurochemical, and physiological features, play crucial roles in visual information processing in the retina. However, the specification mechanisms and functions in vision for each amacrine subtype are not well understood. We found that the Prdm13 transcriptional regulator is specifically expressed in developing and mature amacrine cells in the mouse retina. Most Prdm13-positive amacrine cells are Calbindin- and Calretinin-positive GABAergic or glycinergic neurons. Absence of Prdm13 significantly reduces GABAergic and glycinergic amacrines, resulting in a specific defect of the S2/S3 border neurite bundle in the inner plexiform layer. Forced expression of Prdm13 distinctively induces GABAergic and glycinergic amacrine cells but not cholinergic amacrine cells, whereas Ptf1a, an upstream transcriptional regulator of Prdm13, induces all of these subtypes. Moreover, Prdm13-deficient mice showed abnormally elevated spatial, temporal, and contrast sensitivities in vision. Together, these results show that Prdm13 regulates development of a subset of amacrine cells, which newly defines an amacrine subtype to negatively modulate visual sensitivities. Our current study provides new insights into mechanisms of the diversification of amacrine cells and their function in vision.
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Transcription factor PRDM8 is required for rod bipolar and type 2 OFF-cone bipolar cell survival and amacrine subtype identity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E3010-9. [PMID: 26023183 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1505870112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal bipolar (BP) cells mediate the earliest steps in image processing in the visual system, but the genetic pathways that regulate their development and function are incompletely known. We identified PRDI-BF1 and RIZ homology domain containing 8 (PRDM8) as a highly conserved transcription factor that is abundantly expressed in mouse retina. During development and in maturity, PRDM8 is expressed strongly in BP cells and a fraction of amacrine and ganglion cells. To determine whether Prdm8 is essential to BP cell development or physiology, we targeted the gene in mice. Prdm8(EGFP/EGFP) mice showed nonprogressive b-wave deficits on electroretinograms, consistent with compromised BP cell function or circuitry resembling the incomplete form of human congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB). BP cell specification was normal in Prdm8(EGFP/EGFP) retina as determined by VSX2(+) cell numbers and retinal morphology at postnatal day 6. BP subtype differentiation was impaired, however, as indicated by absent or diminished expression of BP subtype-specific markers, including the putative PRDM8 regulatory target PKCα (Prkca) and its protein. By adulthood, rod bipolar (RB) and type 2 OFF-cone bipolar (CB) cells were nearly absent from Prdm8-null mice. Although no change was detected in total amacrine cell (AC) numbers, increased PRKCA(+) and cholinergic ACs and decreased GABAergic ACs were seen, suggesting an alteration in amacrine subtype identity. These findings establish that PRDM8 is required for RB and type 2 OFF-CB cell survival and amacrine subtype identity, and they present PRDM8 as a candidate gene for human CSNB.
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Sigulinsky CL, German ML, Leung AM, Clark AM, Yun S, Levine EM. Genetic chimeras reveal the autonomy requirements for Vsx2 in embryonic retinal progenitor cells. Neural Dev 2015; 10:12. [PMID: 25927996 PMCID: PMC4450477 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-015-0039-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vertebrate retinal development is a complex process, requiring the specification and maintenance of retinal identity, proliferative expansion of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), and their differentiation into retinal neurons and glia. The homeobox gene Vsx2 is expressed in RPCs and required for the proper execution of this retinal program. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which Vsx2 does this is still rudimentary. To define the autonomy requirements for Vsx2 in the regulation of RPC properties, we generated chimeric mouse embryos comprised of wild-type and Vsx2-deficient cells. RESULTS We show that Vsx2 maintains retinal identity in part through the cell-autonomous repression of the retinal pigment epithelium determinant Mitf, and that Lhx2 is required cell autonomously for the ectopic Mitf expression in Vsx2-deficient cells. We also found significant cell-nonautonomous contributions to Vsx2-mediated regulation of RPC proliferation, pointing to an important role for Vsx2 in establishing a growth-promoting extracellular environment. Additionally, we report a cell-autonomous requirement for Vsx2 in controlling when neurogenesis is initiated, indicating that Vsx2 is an important mediator of neurogenic competence. Finally, the distribution of wild-type cells shifted away from RPCs and toward retinal ganglion cell precursors in patches of high Vsx2-deficient cell density to potentially compensate for the lack of fated precursors in these areas. CONCLUSIONS Through the generation and analysis of genetic chimeras, we demonstrate that Vsx2 utilizes both cell-autonomous and cell-nonautonomous mechanisms to regulate progenitor properties in the embryonic retina. Importantly, Vsx2's role in regulating Mitf is in part separable from its role in promoting proliferation, and proliferation is excluded as the intrinsic timer that determines when neurogenesis is initiated. These findings highlight the complexity of Vsx2 function during retinal development and provide a framework for identifying the molecular mechanisms mediating these functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal L Sigulinsky
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
- Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, 20 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
| | - Massiell L German
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
| | - Amanda M Leung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, 20 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
| | - Anna M Clark
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
| | - Sanghee Yun
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, 20 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
| | - Edward M Levine
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, 20 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
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Szabadfi K, Estrada C, Fernandez-Villalba E, Tarragon E, Setalo G, Izura V, Reglodi D, Tamas A, Gabriel R, Herrero MT. Retinal aging in the diurnal Chilean rodent (Octodon degus): histological, ultrastructural and neurochemical alterations of the vertical information processing pathway. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:126. [PMID: 25954153 PMCID: PMC4405622 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is sensitive to age-dependent degeneration. To find suitable animal models to understand and map this process has particular importance. The degu (Octodon degus) is a diurnal rodent with dichromatic color vision. Its retinal structure is similar to that in humans in many respects, therefore, it is well suited to study retinal aging. Histological, cell type-specific and ultrastructural alterations were examined in 6-, 12- and 36-months old degus. The characteristic layers of the retina were present at all ages, but slightly loosened tissue structure could be observed in 36-month-old animals both at light and electron microscopic levels. Elevated Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression was observed in Müller glial cells in aging retinas. The number of rod bipolar cells and the ganglion cells was reduced in the aging specimens, while that of cone bipolar cells remained unchanged. Other age-related differences were detected at ultrastructural level: alteration of the retinal pigment epithelium and degenerated photoreceptor cells were evident. Ribbon synapses were sparse and often differed in morphology from those in the young animals. These results support our hypothesis that (i) the rod pathway seems to be more sensitive than the cone pathway to age-related cell loss; (ii) structural changes in the basement membrane of pigment epithelial cells can be one of the early signs of degenerative processes; (iii) the loss of synaptic proteins especially from those of the ribbon synapses are characteristic; and (iv) the degu retina may be a suitable model for studying retinal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Szabadfi
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pecs Pecs, Hungary ; Janos Szentagothai Research Center Pecs, Hungary
| | - Cristina Estrada
- Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience (NiCE), CIBERNED and Institute of Bio-Health Research of Murcia (IMIB), School of Medicine, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia Murcia, Spain
| | - Emiliano Fernandez-Villalba
- Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience (NiCE), CIBERNED and Institute of Bio-Health Research of Murcia (IMIB), School of Medicine, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia Murcia, Spain
| | - Ernesto Tarragon
- Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience (NiCE), CIBERNED and Institute of Bio-Health Research of Murcia (IMIB), School of Medicine, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia Murcia, Spain
| | - Gyorgy Setalo
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Pecs Pecs, Hungary
| | - Virginia Izura
- Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience (NiCE), CIBERNED and Institute of Bio-Health Research of Murcia (IMIB), School of Medicine, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia Murcia, Spain
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE "Lendulet" PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs Pecs, Hungary
| | - Andrea Tamas
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE "Lendulet" PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs Pecs, Hungary
| | - Robert Gabriel
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pecs Pecs, Hungary ; Janos Szentagothai Research Center Pecs, Hungary
| | - Maria Trinidad Herrero
- Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience (NiCE), CIBERNED and Institute of Bio-Health Research of Murcia (IMIB), School of Medicine, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia Murcia, Spain
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Whitney IE, Kautzman AG, Reese BE. Alternative splicing of the LIM-homeodomain transcription factor Isl1 in the mouse retina. Mol Cell Neurosci 2015; 65:102-13. [PMID: 25752730 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2015.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Islet-1 (Isl1) is a LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) transcription factor that functions in a combinatorial manner with other LIM-HD proteins to direct the differentiation of distinct cell types within the central nervous system and many other tissues. A study of pancreatic cell lines showed that Isl1 is alternatively spliced generating a second isoform, Isl1β, which is missing 23 amino acids within the C-terminal region. This study examines the expression of the canonical and alternative Isl1 transcripts across other tissues, in particular, within the retina, where Isl1 is required for the differentiation of multiple neuronal cell types. The alternative splicing of Isl1 is shown to occur in multiple tissues, but the relative abundance of Isl1α and Isl1β expression varies greatly across them. In most tissues, Isl1α is the more abundant transcript, but in others the transcripts are expressed equally, or the alternative splice variant is dominant. Within the retina, differential expression of the two Isl1 transcripts increases as a function of development, with dynamic changes in expression peaking at E16.5 and again at P10. At the cellular level, individual retinal ganglion cells vary in their expression, with a subset of small-to-medium sized cells expressing only the alternative isoform. The functional significance of the difference in protein sequence between the two Isl1 isoforms was also assessed using a luciferase assay, demonstrating that the alternative isoform forms a less effective transcriptional complex for activating gene expression. These results demonstrate the differential presence of the canonical and alternative isoforms of Isl1 amongst retinal ganglion cell classes. As Isl1 participates in the differentiation of multiple cell types within the CNS, the present results support a role for alternative splicing in the establishment of cellular diversity in the developing nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene E Whitney
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5060, United States; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9625, United States.
| | - Amanda G Kautzman
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5060, United States; Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9660, United States.
| | - Benjamin E Reese
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5060, United States; Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9660, United States.
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Iida A, Iwagawa T, Baba Y, Satoh S, Mochizuki Y, Nakauchi H, Furukawa T, Koseki H, Murakami A, Watanabe S. Roles of histone H3K27 trimethylase Ezh2 in retinal proliferation and differentiation. Dev Neurobiol 2015; 75:947-60. [PMID: 25556712 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The histone modification H3K27me3 regulates transcription negatively, and Jmjd3 and Ezh2 demethylate and methylate H3K27me3 and H3K27, respectively. We demonstrated previously that Jmjd3 plays pivotal roles in the differentiation of subsets of bipolar (BP) cells by regulating H3K27me3 levels at the Bhlhb4 and Vsx1 loci, both of which are transcription factors essential for the maturation of BP cell subsets. In this study, we examined the role of Ezh2 in retinal development using retina-specific Ezh2 conditional knockout mice (Ezh2-CKO). The eyes of the Ezh2-CKO mice were microphthalemic, and the proliferation of retinal cells was diminished postnatally in Ezh2-CKO. Differentiation of all examined retinal subsets was observed with higher proportion of BP cell subsets, which was determined by immunostaining using specific retinal markers. The onsets of Müller glia and rod photoreceptor differentiation were accelerated. The expression of Bhlhb4 was increased in postnatal retinas, which was accompanied by the loss of H3K27me3 modifications at these genetic loci. Decreased expression of proneural genes in postnatal stage was observed. As reported previously in other Ezh2-KO tissues, increased expression of Arf/Ink4a was observed in the Ezh2-CKO retinas. The ectopic expression of Arf or Ink4a in the retina suppressed proliferation and increased apoptosis. In addition, earlier onset of Müller glia differentiation was observed in Ink4a-expressing cells. These results support an important role for histone H3K27me3 modification in regulating the proliferation and maturation of certain subsets of interneurons in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsumi Iida
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Toshiro Iwagawa
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Yukihiro Baba
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Shinya Satoh
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Yujin Mochizuki
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo.,Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo
| | - Hiromitsu Nakauchi
- Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Takahisa Furukawa
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka
| | - Haruhiko Koseki
- Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Allergy and Immunology, Kanagawa
| | - Akira Murakami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo
| | - Sumiko Watanabe
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
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Karunakaran DKP, Chhaya N, Lemoine C, Congdon S, Black A, Kanadia R. Loss of citron kinase affects a subset of progenitor cells that alters late but not early neurogenesis in the developing rat retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:787-98. [PMID: 25593024 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-15272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand how loss of citron kinase (CitK) affects retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) in the developing rat retina. METHODS We compared knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) retinae by immunohistochemistry. The TdT-mediated dUTP terminal nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to determine cell death. Pulse-chase experiments using 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) were carried out to interrogate RPC behavior and in turn neurogenesis. RESULTS Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that CitK was expressed at embryonic day (E)12 and was turned off at approximately postnatal day (P)4. Immunohistochemistry showed CitK being localized as puncta at the apical end of the outer neuroblastic layer (ONBL). Analyses during embryonic development showed that the KO retina was of comparable size to that of WT until E13. However, by E14, there was a reduction in the number of S-phase RPCs with a concomitant increase in TUNEL+ cells in the KO retina. Moreover, early neurogenesis, as reflected by retinal ganglion cell production, was not affected. Postnatal analysis of the retina showed that ONBL in the KO retina was reduced to half the size of that in WT and showed further degeneration. Immunohistochemistry revealed absence of Islet1+ bipolar cells at P2, which was further confirmed by EdU pulse-chase experiments. The CitK KO retinae underwent complete degeneration by P14. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that CitK is not required for a subset of RPCs before E14, but is necessary for RPC survival post E14. This in turn results in normal early embryonic neurogenesis, but severely compromised later embryonic and postnatal neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nisarg Chhaya
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States
| | - Christopher Lemoine
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States
| | - Sean Congdon
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States
| | - Amye Black
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States
| | - Rahul Kanadia
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States
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Duan X, Krishnaswamy A, De la Huerta I, Sanes JR. Type II cadherins guide assembly of a direction-selective retinal circuit. Cell 2014; 158:793-807. [PMID: 25126785 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.06.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Revised: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Complex retinal circuits process visual information and deliver it to the brain. Few molecular determinants of synaptic specificity in this system are known. Using genetic and optogenetic methods, we identified two types of bipolar interneurons that convey visual input from photoreceptors to a circuit that computes the direction in which objects are moving. We then sought recognition molecules that promote selective connections of these cells with previously characterized components of the circuit. We found that the type II cadherins, cdh8 and cdh9, are each expressed selectively by one of the two bipolar cell types. Using loss- and gain-of-function methods, we showed that they are critical determinants of connectivity in this circuit and that perturbation of their expression leads to distinct defects in visually evoked responses. Our results reveal cellular components of a retinal circuit and demonstrate roles of type II cadherins in synaptic choice and circuit function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Duan
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Arjun Krishnaswamy
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Irina De la Huerta
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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Rodriguez AR, de Sevilla Müller LP, Brecha NC. The RNA binding protein RBPMS is a selective marker of ganglion cells in the mammalian retina. J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:1411-43. [PMID: 24318667 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There are few neurochemical markers that reliably identify retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are a heterogeneous population of cells that integrate and transmit the visual signal from the retina to the central visual nuclei. We have developed and characterized a new set of affinity-purified guinea pig and rabbit antibodies against RNA-binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS). On western blots these antibodies recognize a single band at 〜24 kDa, corresponding to RBPMS, and they strongly label RGC and displaced RGC (dRGC) somata in mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and monkey retina. RBPMS-immunoreactive cells and RGCs identified by other techniques have a similar range of somal diameters and areas. The density of RBPMS cells in mouse and rat retina is comparable to earlier semiquantitative estimates of RGCs. RBPMS is mainly expressed in medium and large DAPI-, DRAQ5-, NeuroTrace- and NeuN-stained cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), and RBPMS is not expressed in syntaxin (HPC-1)-immunoreactive cells in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and GCL, consistent with their identity as RGCs, and not displaced amacrine cells. In mouse and rat retina, most RBPMS cells are lost following optic nerve crush or transection at 3 weeks, and all Brn3a-, SMI-32-, and melanopsin-immunoreactive RGCs also express RBPMS immunoreactivity. RBPMS immunoreactivity is localized to cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)-fluorescent RGCs in the B6.Cg-Tg(Thy1-CFP)23Jrs/J mouse line. These findings show that antibodies against RBPMS are robust reagents that exclusively identify RGCs and dRGCs in multiple mammalian species, and they will be especially useful for quantification of RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen R Rodriguez
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at Los Angeles, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095-1763
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Sox2 regulates cholinergic amacrine cell positioning and dendritic stratification in the retina. J Neurosci 2014; 34:10109-21. [PMID: 25057212 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0415-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina contains two populations of cholinergic amacrine cells, one positioned in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the other in the inner nuclear layer (INL), that together comprise ∼1/2 of a percent of all retinal neurons. The present study examined the genetic control of cholinergic amacrine cell number and distribution between these two layers. The total number of cholinergic amacrine cells was quantified in the C57BL/6J and A/J inbred mouse strains, and in 25 recombinant inbred strains derived from them, and variations in their number and ratio (GCL/INL) across these strains were mapped to genomic loci. The total cholinergic amacrine cell number was found to vary across the strains, from 27,000 to 40,000 cells, despite little variation within individual strains. The number of cells was always lower within the GCL relative to the INL, and the sizes of the two populations were strongly correlated, yet there was variation in their ratio between the strains. Approximately 1/3 of that variation in cell ratio was mapped to a locus on chromosome 3, where Sex determining region Y box 2 (Sox2) was identified as a candidate gene due to the presence of a 6-nucleotide insertion in the protein-coding sequence in C57BL/6J and because of robust and selective expression in cholinergic amacrine cells. Conditionally deleting Sox2 from the population of nascent cholinergic amacrine cells perturbed the normal ratio of cells situated in the GCL versus the INL and induced a bistratifying morphology, with dendrites distributed to both ON and OFF strata within the inner plexiform layer.
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Onecut1 and Onecut2 redundantly regulate early retinal cell fates during development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E4086-95. [PMID: 25228773 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1405354111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we have shown that Onecut1 (Oc1) and Onecut2 (Oc2) are expressed in retinal progenitor cells, developing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and horizontal cells (HCs). However, in Oc1-null mice, we only observed an 80% reduction in HCs, but no defects in other cell types. We postulated that the lack of defects in other cell types in Oc1-null retinas was a result of redundancy with Oc2. To test this theory, we have generated Oc2-null mice and now show that their retinas also only have defects in HCs, with a 50% reduction in their numbers. However, when both Oc1 and Oc2 are knocked out, the retinas exhibit more profound defects in the development of all early retinal cell types, including completely failed genesis of HCs, compromised generation of cones, reduced production (by 30%) of RGCs, and absence of starburst amacrine cells. Cone subtype diversification and RGC subtype composition also were affected in the double-null retina. Using RNA-Seq expression profiling, we have identified downstream genes of Oc1 and Oc2, which not only confirms the redundancy between the two factors and renders a molecular explanation for the defects in the double-null retinas, but also shows that the onecut factors suppress the production of the late cell type, rods, indicating that the two factors contribute to the competence of retinal progenitor cells for the early retinal cell fates. Our results provide insight into how onecut factors regulate the creation of cellular diversity in the retina and, by extension, in the central nervous system in general.
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Iida A, Tabata Y, Baba Y, Fujii T, Watanabe S. Critical roles of DNase1l3l in lens nuclear degeneration in zebrafish. Biochimie 2014; 106:68-74. [PMID: 25127661 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate lens undergoes organelle and nuclear degradation during lens development, allowing the lens to become transparent. DNase2b is an enzyme responsible for nuclear degradation in the mouse lens; however, dnase2b expression in zebrafish showed a distribution pattern that differed from that in mice. No zebrafish dnase2b was detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction until around 120 h postfertilization (hpf), suggesting that dnase2b is not expressed in the critical period for lens nuclear degradation, which corresponds to 56-74 hpf. However, public database searches have indicated that dnase1l3l is strongly and specifically expressed in embryonic zebrafish lens. Whole mount in situ hybridization showed that dnase1l3l expression began around 36 hpf and was found exclusively in the lens until the adult stage. Morpholino (MO)-dependent downregulation of dnase1l3l expression during early development in zebrafish led to the failure of nuclear degradation in the lens. Immunostaining of lens sections showed that expression of Pax6, Prox1 and β-catenin was comparable to the control in the early stage of development in dnase1l3l-MO injected embryos. However, downregulation of expression of these genes in lens was not observed in dnase1l3l-MO-treated zebrafish at 72 hpf, suggesting that the lens development was halted. Taken together, we showed that dnase1l3l plays major roles in nuclear degradation in zebrafish lens development. No homologous gene was found in other species in public databases, suggesting that dnase1l3l developed and acquired its function specifically in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsumi Iida
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan
| | - Yoko Tabata
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan
| | - Yukihiro Baba
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan
| | - Tomoaki Fujii
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan
| | - Sumiko Watanabe
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan.
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Balasubramanian R, Gan L. Development of Retinal Amacrine Cells and Their Dendritic Stratification. CURRENT OPHTHALMOLOGY REPORTS 2014; 2:100-106. [PMID: 25170430 DOI: 10.1007/s40135-014-0048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Themammalian retina containsmultiple neurons, each of which contributes differentially to visual processing. Of these retinal neurons, amacrine cells have recently come to prime light since they facilitate majority of visual processing that takes place in the retina. Amacrine cells are also the most diverse group of neurons in the retina, classified majorly based on the neurotransmitter type they express and morphology of their dendritic arbors. Currently, little is known about the molecular basis contributing to this diversity during development. Amacrine cells also contribute to most of the synapses in the inner plexiform layer and mediate visual information input from bipolar cells onto retinal ganglion cells. In this review, we will describe the current understanding of amacrine cell and cell subtype development. Furthermore, we will address the molecular basis of retinal lamination at the inner plexiform layer. Overall, our review will provide a developmental perspective of amacrine cell subtype classification and their dendritic stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revathi Balasubramanian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Lin Gan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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